Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Studies and Development (DRSD)
THE PROGRAMME
This cross-disciplinary one-year programme is offered by the Research Alliance for Disaster and Risk Reduction (RADAR), at Stellenbosch
University.
The programme aims to provide students with an integrated understanding of disaster risk and its implications for sustainable development
in Africa, with a strong but not exclusive focus on South Africa. It focuses on understanding the interactions between social and physical risk
producing processes, and builds students' capacity to plan and implement comprehensive risk reduction measures. It provides a grounding
for multiple career paths, including teaching, research and practice.
The one-year programme also serves as a bridging qualification that equips students to progress to RADAR’s MPhil in Disaster Risk Science
and Development. Focus areas include:
- The conceptualization of disaster risk and risk reduction
- Disaster risk as a developmental issue
- Community risk assessment
OVERVIEW
This programme structure provides three compulsory disaster risk-related modules. These are:
- Disaster Risk Science and Development
- Community Risk Assessment, and
- Risk and Development
Students without training in physical geography will take compulsory module on understanding Environmental Hazards.
Students with a suitable background in physical geography will choose two electives drawn from Postgraduate programmes offered by
Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership and Sociology and Social Anthropology. These include modules on:
- Development Planning
- Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Cities
- Environmental governance
- Transdisciplinary Research in Health and Development
- History, Politics and Ethics of Health and Development in Africa
- Community development
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students will be considered if they have a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in geography, environmental studies,
geospatial analysis, agriculture, anthropology, sociology, development studies, public management, town and regional planning or a
qualification considered equivalent by RADAR and Stellenbosch University's Senate.
INFORMATION ON APPLYING
General information
Visit www.sun.ac.za/english/students/ to obtain an application form or APPLY ONLINE: www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/
For enquiries send an email to info@sun.ac.za or phone +27 21 808 9111
Address: The Registrar, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, MATIELAND 7602
Bursaries and loans
Stellenbosch University offers various merit bursaries, sports bursaries, bursaries for studies in specific faculties or departments, general
bursaries and bursary loans for needy students (see Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Calendar Part 2).
Visit www.maties.com/bursaries-loans-and-fees.html
Phone +27 21 808 4208 or e-mail postgradfunding@sun.ac.za for more information
Address: The Registrar (Head: Postgraduate Bursaries and Loans), Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, MATIELAND 7602
Tuition fees
Visit www.maties.com/bursaries-loans-and-fees.html
Division for Student Fees: Tel: +27 21 808-9111 or e-mail: info@sun.ac.za
Accommodation
Visit www.maties.com/accommodation.html
University accommodation: Apply online or phone +27 21 808 9111 for an application form.
Private accommodation: Contact the Student Housing Office, +27 21 808 2848
Closing date for applications: 30 June of the year before accommodation is needed.
International students
International (Non-South African) students must apply through Stellenbosch University's International Office
Visit www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/howtoapply.html
Tel: +27 21 808 2565, or e-mail: nrrhoda@sun.ac.za
Address: International Office, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7602 Matieland, South Africa
